Virginia Private College Week begins July 26

Twenty-five Virginia independent colleges will play “Mythbusters” when they dispel the conventional wisdom that private colleges are not affordable during Virginia Private College Week July 26-31.

University of Richmond and 24 other Virginia independent colleges will hold twice-daily information sessions where admission representatives will demonstrate that private colleges can be affordable for families of all income levels.

As a bonus, students who visit at least three participating Virginia private colleges during the week will be allowed to apply at no charge to any three of the colleges.

During the annual program sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, each college will host two daily programs for rising high school juniors and seniors, their families, and prospective transfer students. The programs will include a campus tour and information session about admission, financial aid, academic programs and extracurricular activities.

Richmond will host programs Monday–Friday at 9:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., followed by a student-guided tour. Although Richmond will not offer Saturday sessions, brochures and maps of campus will be available at a kiosk outside the admission office. Online registration is recommended at admissions.richmond.edu or call 800-700-1662.

“Virginia Private College Week is an opportunity to learn more about the quality and affordability of independent colleges,” said Gil Villanueva, assistant vice president and dean of admission. “For instance, Richmond is one of a few colleges in the nation to offer need-blind admission and a guarantee to meet 100 percent of an undergraduate student’s demonstrated financial need.” Last year, Richmond awarded nearly $60 million in financial aid to undergraduates.